The green on the U.S. Department of Labor map represents states whose minimum wage rates exceed the federal minimum wage rate of $7.25. Nineteen U.S. states and the District of Columbia each have minimum wage rates that exceed the federal rate, and President Obama has recommended raising the federal minimum wage rate to $9 per hour.

Seattle to Top Nation’s Minimum Wage Rate?

Seattle Mayor, Michael McGinn, revealed that he supports a citywide minimum wage increase to $15 per hour if the measure is supported by the Seattle City Council. Seattle is currently subject to the State of Washington’s minimum wage rate of $9.19 per hour, which is the highest rate among states in the U.S. and went into effect January 1, 2013.

Oregon sets the minimum wage rate at $8.95 per hour, and California Governor Jerry Brown signed a bill to increase California’s minimum wage to $10 per hour within the next three years, up from the current $8 per hour.